Dad who is running the extra miles in memory of wife Lisa

ANDY King describes himself as “no long-distance runner”. Yet in the last two years the dad-of-two has twice tackled the Bupa Great North Run, and on Sunday he will embark on his first full marathon in New York.

Yet in the last two years the dad-of-two has twice tackled the Bupa Great North Run, and on Sunday he will embark on his first full marathon in New York.

The 35-year-old, who is originally from Thornaby, is runing in memory of his late wife, Lisa.

She lost her battle with lung cancer in April 2007, aged just 34, leaving behind a doting husband and two young children, Theo and Libby, now aged five and three.

Andy said: “The reason I'm taking on this challenge and raising money for Cancer Research UK is that, after losing Lisa, I now understand just how devastating cancer can be.”

Lisa was diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2006, just six months after giving birth to their second child.

She started chemotherapy treatment straight away, followed by radiotherapy treatment, but lost her fight for life the following April.

“Lisa lost her battle with cancer only five months after she was diagnosed,” says Andy, who now lives in Merseyside.

“We didn’t even have time to get used to the idea Lisa was poorly and would have to go through all of the chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.

“Theo was only three-years-old and Libby had just turned one when they lost their mum.”

Last year, as reported in the Gazette, Andy, who works for a design and engineering company, signed up for his first half marathon.

“Although I’m no long-distance runner, setting myself these challenges seemed like a good way to raise money for Cancer Research UK,” he says.

“It was a fantastic event and I did it again this year. After doing a half-marathon, I wanted to try and stretch myself a bit more each time, so this year, I decided to take on the challenge of a marathon.”

He admits fitting in the training around two small children and work has been hard but he is determined to succeed. He is one of a 100-strong team taking part in the event for Cancer Research UK. Together they hope to raise over £100,000.

“Initially I was aiming to finish the marathon inside four hours but I’d be happy to simply complete it. The most important thing is to make sure I just enjoy it and raise as much money as I can for a cause very close to my heart,” he says.

“Lisa was an outstanding and devoted mum, an amazing wife and my best friend, and taking on these personal challenges and helping raise money for Cancer Research UK is my way of showing just how proud I am of her.”